Thursday, October 25, 2007

Write-up by Justin Johnson of The Times / British Film Institute 51st
London Film Festival.

"Never falling into the traps of sentimentality or whimsy, Mukhsin is a lyrical and beautifully presented piece of work that will appeal to adults and children alike. The film's musical denouement stands out as a joyful and memorable conclusion to this remarkable film.

Winner of the Generations section at this year's Berlinale, Mukhsin provides us with an unmissable opportunity to enjoy a Malaysian take on the universal theme of the beauty of first friendships and first love."

Thursday, October 18, 2007

"Talentime". The search for a hero.

I want him to be 16 or 17 years of age, and I want him to be of Indian descent.

Why Indian?

Well, I never bothered to explain why the heroes for "Sepet" and "Muallaf" were Chinese, or why the hero for "Mukhsin" was Malay, so I don't see why I need to explain myself for wanting an Indian this time around.

(And oh, he does NOT have to be musically inclined in any way, but he MUST be able to ride a motorcycle.)

The picture you see here was taken in Mumbai, India, on my Canon IXUS, about three years ago. I was astonished by how beautiful this mango seller was, so I asked to take a snapshot of him.

He was 17.

If you fit the bill, or if you know of somehow who does, please write to me at yasminthestoryteller@gmail.com and attach some photographs with your email.

Monday, October 15, 2007

"Talentime". My new film in the making.

We originally planned to make a film called "Mok-Mok", but that project will l have to step aside for a while.

The reason, I have found one financier who seems very keen about this other idea I have for a film called "Talentime".

Inshaallah, it will most likely star Adibah Noor, Ho Yuhang, Noor Khiriah, and two new young actors in their teens who will play the lead roles.

The rough story: A music teacher, who is herself a great performer (Adibah Noor) is organising an inter-school talentime. Through the days of auditions, rehearsals and preparations, running up to the big day of the contest, the characters get embroiled in a world of heightened emotions - ambition, jealousy, human comedy, romance, heartbreak - all of which culminate in a day of great music and performances.

Not a new premise, I know. But neither was "Sepet" nor "Mukhsin". And I believe that the interesting thing about seeing the work of different artists is that you get to experience age-old emotions through new, totally personalised eyes.

The idea behind "Talentime": That as humans, we have to go through a lot of pain and some measure of suffering before we can reach greater heights.

Some might say this somewhat echoes the principles behind THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS. But more accurately, the idea really comes from my own observations that some of the best moments in my life were those moments where I failed, or had my heart broken.

Why? Because those were the moments that have shaped me, made me a better person today, and helped me attain my highest achievements.

We should be opening up the auditons early next year, inshaallah. So if you know of teenagers (age 13 to 15) who can sing and/or play musical instruments, do let me know here. Thanks.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards is a collaboration between CNN International, UNESCO and FIAPF - the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. The Awards honour the works of filmmakers across a region covering more than 70 countries, one third of the earth and half the world’s film output.

Asia Pacific Screen Awards Chairman, Des Power, said: “It is remarkable that the Awards in their first year have drawn entries from so many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Clearly filmmakers and the industry value the purpose and benefit of these Awards and the global broadcast platform of CNN International.

“I congratulate the nominees in the inaugural Asia Pacific Screen Awards. They represent the extraordinary creativity and energy of filmmakers across the Asia-Pacific region and the range and quality of their films undoubtedly reflects the aims of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards to celebrate both cinematic excellence and cultural diversity.”

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards will be presented at an Awards ceremony on the Gold Coast, Australia, on November 13, 2007, following deliberation by a distinguished International Jury headed by Indian actress and humanitarian, Shabana Azmi.

Two additional major Awards will be presented for outstanding achievement:

1. The FIAPF Award for outstanding achievement in film in the Asia-Pacific region.

2. The UNESCO Award for outstanding contribution to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards is producing television programs attached to the inaugural 2007 Awards for global broadcast on CNN International.

The programs, titled Scene By Scene, will carry stories and interviews about the region’s film industry. Scene By Scene - Films of Asia Pacific will screen on CNN International on November 10 prior to the Awards ceremony on November 13. The second program, Scene By Scene - Best Films of Asia Pacific, will include the Awards ceremony and will air on November 17.

FIAPF - The International Federation of Film Producers Associations has endorsed the Asia Pacific Screen Awards Charter.

The Director General of UNESCO has given his formal endorsement for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be conducted under the auspices of UNESCO.

THE ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS IS AN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL INITIATIVE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, THROUGH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CORPORATION.

About Me

I am optimistic and sentimental to the point of being annoying, especially to people who think that being cynical and cold is cool. Everyday, I thank Allah for everyday things like the ability to breathe, the ability to love, the ability to laugh, and the ability to eat and drink.